Good and Bad Times During The Holidays

Opening Question: How many of you had a good
Thanksgiving? How many of you went over to someone’s house? Where did
you go? What happened?

First Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5

Bobbie always looked forward to Thanksgiving at her grandparents’
house. Bobbie’s grandparents lived out in the country where they had
lots of land to explore. There was a horse barn and a cave and a pond
with ducks. There was a creek with tall trees to climb. At Bobbie’s
grandparents’ house, there was room to be free. And Bobbie’s parents
didn’t mind her running around.

At her grandparents’ house, there was always plenty to eat,
especially on Thanksgiving. If she wasn’t full from the meal, there
was always the pies and ice cream! And when the meal was over, the
adults did the dishes. Bobbie and her cousins could go out and play.

But, what Bobbie liked most about going over to her grandparents’ was
the peace. Nobody fought. Everyone had a good time. If someone was
sad, grandma and grandpa made it their business to cheer them up. In
no time, Bobbie could hear laughter and people sharing a good time.

At her religious education class, Bobbie was asked to describe
heaven. She said, “Heaven is my grandparents house. At my grandparent’
house, there is always peace and happiness, good food and good times,
a place to run around and be free. Even God would like to live at my
grandparents’ house.”

Is your house like Bobbie’s grandparent’s house? Is your house full
of happiness, good times, and peace? Would God like to live at your
house?

Bridging question: What was the worst news you’ve
heard in the past week? Why was it so bad?

Gospel: Matthew 24:37-44

Reader 1:

Jesus said to his followers:

Reader 2:

When the Son of Man comes, things will happen just like
in the time of Noah. Before the Great Flood, people got married and
partied right up to the time Noah entered the Ark. They didn’t know
what would happen until it was too late. The flood came and they
drown. The same thing will happen when the Son of Man comes.

Reader 1:

Two men will be working in the fields. One will be taken
away. The other will be left behind. Two women will be grinding grain
at a hand mill. One will be taken away. The other will be left behind.
So, be ready! You don’t know when your Lord will come!

Reader 2:

Know this! If a homeowner knew when the thief came, he
would stay up and protect his home. Be like the homeowner. Be
prepared! You don’t know when the Son of Man comes!

“Christmas is coming!” the sign proclaimed. For some people that’s
great news, but not for Jeremy. Christmas season meant running around
from store to store with his mom trying on clothes that Jeremy would
receive on Christmas morning. It also meant that Jeremy would have to
go and buy presents for his family. He never got what he wanted on
Christmas anyway. While everyone else loved the Christmas season,
Jeremy could care less.

The mall was really crowded the day after Thanksgiving. Early that
morning, Jeremy, half asleep, was right there with his mom trying on
clothes. As he was going into the next store, Jeremy stumbled into a
display. Boom! The display came crashing down around Jeremy, scaring
him half to death! Stressed and surprised, Jeremy began to steam. “Why
did my mother take me to buy my Christmas present?” Jeremy thought.

Jeremy’s mom wasn’t happy either. “Wake up!” she yelled. “And watch
where you are going!” During that morning, Jeremy ran into this person
and that. They seemed to be as unhappy as he was. Some made rude
comments. Others whispered under their breathe like Jeremy. One or two
people yelled at Jeremy. Everyone seemed to have the same attitude as
the young boy. “This was going to be another ‘great’ Christmas”,
Jeremy thought to himself.

“Wake up! Watch out!” We’ve had many bad surprises over the past few
months. Wars, plane crashes, floods, killer storms. Be prepared for
the bad surprises. But how? Jesus wants us to pray and to think of
others, not just ourselves. This way, when the good surprises come we
can enjoy them.

Closing Question: How can prayer and concern for
others help us with bad surprises?

First Sunday

in Advent

Cycle A

Permission for use. All
materials found in word-sunday.com are the property of Larry Broding
(Copyright 1999-2018). Viewers may copy any material found in these
pages for their personal use or for use in any non-profit ministry.
Materials may not be sold or used for personal financial gain.